Shoe lace



Feb. 21, 1933. v G. SZABO 1,898,225

SHOE LACE Filed Jan. 29, 1932 Inventor 2 I 61023 6 Ls zabz By wan/6%..

Patented Feb. 21, 1933 UNITED STATES LEWIS GEORGE SZABO, OF FRANKLIN, NEW ERSEY SHOE LACE Application filed January 29, 1932. Serial No'. 589,721.

This invention relates to improvements in shoe laces and has particular reference to elastic shoe laces.

In accordance with my invention, which latter is particularly adapted for use in connection with low shoes, although it may be used in connection with high shoes with equal facility, either a single lace of sufficient length may be employed, or a plurality of relatively short laces may be used as found desirable.

An important feature of the present invention is in the provision of a shoe lace, preferably of a resilient nature, which precludes tying the ends of the lace together subsequent to a complete lacing of the shoe as is now required by shoe laces of either the resilient or non-resilient type.

The invention together with its numerous objects and advantages will be best understood from a study of the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawing wherein:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a shoe showing the improved lace applied thereto.

Figure 2 is a fragmentary transverse sec tional view taken through the upper portion of the shoe and showing my lace as applied thereto.

Figure 3 is a plan view of the lace.

Figure 4 is a side edge elevational view thereof.

WVhile I have shown my lace applied to a low shoe, it will be understood that the same may be used in connection with a high shoe, and in the present instance, the shoe 5 is provided with the usual rows of eyelets 6 therein for receiving the lace 7.

In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the lace 7 is relatively short, and in this form of the invention, a plurality of such laces 7 are used for the complete lacing of the shoe, there being one lace 7 for connecting a pair of opposed eyelets 6 as shown in Figure 2.

The lace 7 is formed entirely of rubber and includes a relatively short shank 8 provided at each end with a lateral head 9, the lace as shown in Figure 3 being substantially I- shaped in plan.

In using this type of lace one headed end 9 of the lace is passed through the eyelet 6 of one row of eyelets so as to position the head 9 at the inner side of the shoe upper, after which the other headed end 9 of the lace is passed through the corresponding eyelet of the other row of eyelets in substantially the same manner as described with respect to the first end 9. When so positioned, and as shown in Figure 2, the shank 8 of the shoe lace extends transversely of the shoe upper, with the heads 9 concealed behind the shoe upper and located between the shoe upper and the tongue 10 of the shoe, the tongue 10 thus serving to protect the foot from the headed ends 9.

After the lace is properly applied to the shoe, it will, being resilient, permit of considerable relative movement between the sections of the upper portion of the shoe adjacent their meeting edges and will also serve to normally urge the meeting edges inwardly toward one another. It is also thought apparent that after the lace or plurality of such laces have been properly applied to the shoe, and due to the resiliency of the laces, the foot may be withdrawn or inserted into the shoe without displacing all or any one of the particular laces. In having the ends of the lace laterally extended, means is provided for securing the ends of the lace in engagement with the eyelets in a positive manner so as not to readily pull out of engagement with an eyelet upon stretching of the lace. Further by so providing the shank 8 at its ends with heads 9, tying or knotting of the shoe lace end is obviated.

It will be further noted, attention being especially directed to Figure 3, that the heads 9 have their end portions oppositely tapering to facilitate insertion of said heads initially into the eyelets 8 of the shoe upper.

It is also apparent, that instead of employing a plurality of laces for lacing a single shoe, a single lace having its shank 8 of suitable length may be employed, and the same will also require no tying of its ends subsequent to the complete lacing of the shoe.

Even though I have herein shown and described the preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that I do not wish to limit myself to the particular details of construction, materials used, and the combination and arrangement of parts herein particularly referred to, but claim all such forms of the invention to which I am entitled. Further, it is to be understood that I do not wish to limit the invention beyond the requirements of the prior art and the sco of the appended claim.

a-ving thus described my invention, What I claim as new is:

A shoe lace I-shape in plan and comprising a flat solid rubber lace having at each end a transverse head, said head having oppositely tapering end portions.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

LEWIS GEORGE SZABO. 

